Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Fairy Changeling" was written by Dora Sigerson Shorter, an Irish poet and writer who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The poem reflects the rich tradition of Irish folklore and mythology, and it explores the theme of identity and belonging.

Content:

The poem tells the story of a human child who is kidnapped by fairies and replaced with a changeling. The child's mother becomes suspicious of the changeling's identity and seeks the help of a wise woman, who instructs her to throw the changeling into a nearby stream. The mother does as she is told and the real child is returned to her. The poem explores themes of identity, belonging, and the dangers of the unknown.

Form:

"The Fairy Changeling" is written in ballad form, with four-line stanzas that follow an ABAB rhyme scheme. The ballad form creates a sense of narrative momentum and helps to convey the story's folkloric roots.

Poetic Elements:

Shorter uses a range of poetic techniques and devices in "The Fairy Changeling," including imagery, repetition, and symbolism. The use of vivid imagery, such as the description of the changeling's "deathly face," creates a sense of unease and tension, while the repetition of phrases such as "one little babe" reinforces the poem's themes of identity and belonging. The use of symbolism, such as the throwing of the changeling into the stream, adds depth and complexity to the work.

Summary:

"The Fairy Changeling" is a beautifully crafted ballad that draws upon the rich tradition of Irish folklore and mythology. The poem's exploration of themes such as identity and belonging is both timeless and universal, and the use of vivid imagery and symbolism creates a powerful emotional impact. Overall, "The Fairy Changeling" is a testament to Shorter's skill as a poet and her deep understanding of the Irish literary tradition.

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